Benfica teammate on alleged Prestianni slur: “If it is true, I can’t accept that”
Speaking to Pickx Sports, Benfica’s Dodi Lukebakio, who is Black, discussed the allegations of racism against his clubmate Gianluca Prestianni.
Dodi Lukebakio has broken Benfica’s locker-room silence surrounding allegations that team-mate Gianluca Prestianni directed a racist slur at Vinícus Júnior in last week’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid.
Last Tuesday’s knockout-phase playoff first leg was overshadowed by accusations from Madrid forward Vinícius, who is Black, that Prestianni called him a “monkey” in the second half in Lisbon.
Amid an ongoing UEFA probe into the incident, European soccer’s governing body has suspended Prestianni, who denies the accusations of racism, for this week’s second leg at Madrid’s Estadio Bernabéu.
“I just hope it isn’t true”
Benfica’s Lukebakio, who is also Black, this week told an interview with Pickx Sports: “I’ve talked about this a lot with other people in the past, asking myself how I would react if it happened to me, because normally we only experience these things from a distance.”
“It’s true that people talk and speculate, but in the end, we don’t actually know what was said,” the Belgian added. “Is it true, or was it exaggerated [by Real Madrid] to take advantage of the situation?”
However, Lukebakio was clear about how he would judge his Argentine club colleague if UEFA’s investigation ultimately determines that there was a racist insult.
“I just hope it isn’t true,” the 28-year-old said. “Because if it is true, I can’t accept it. I’m against injustice. And every injustice deserves consequences.”
Real Madrid vs Benfica: when, how to watch
In the second leg of the knockout-phase playoffs, Madrid host Benfica tomorrow - Wednesday, Feb. 25 - with kickoff at the Bernabéu scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET/12 noon PT.
Viewers in the U.S. can watch the game on Paramount+, TUDN USA, Univisión and ViX. You can also stream the action live on the online platform fubo, which offers new users a free trial. What’s more, you can follow live-text coverage of the Champions League matchup right here at AS USA.
Related stories
Courtois: “Am I disappointed? Mourinho is Mourinho”
Rui Costa: “Prestianni isn’t racist… but what about Valverde?”
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that of this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.